The Atkins Diet is controversial among health experts and nutritionists. The diet, introduced in the book "The New Diet Revolution" in the 1970s, calls for an intake of protein, and subsequently fat, that far exceeds most mainstream nutrition guidelines---including those of the American Heart Association (AHA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Institutes of Medicine (IOM). Followers of the diet do experience significant immediate weight loss and report greater feelings of satiation. The plan is relatively simple to follow and permits you to continue to enjoy some of your favorite foods, but there could be a long-term risk.
Ketosis
The Atkins diet depletes the body of glycogen---its primary energy source---by denying it carbohydrates. When glycogen stores are not availble, the body theoretically turns to stored fat for fuel, creating a state known as ketosis. Ketosis is not an ideal condition for the body, and the long-term effects of maintaining it is unknown. Ketosis, as noted by experts from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, is often seen in cases of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and starvation, and it stresses the kidneys and other internal organs, as well as causes acidic urine and bad breath.
Fat Intake
The Atkins diet does not ask you to pay attention to the fat content or the type of fat in food. Instead, it emphasizes eating ample amounts of cheese, fatty meats, butter and eggs. The American Heart Association warns that this may result in an overconsumption of saturated fat, which contributes to risk factors for a number of chronic health conditions, including heart disease and some cancers.
Nutritional Deficiences
The Atkins Diet is comprised of four phases. The first phase, which lasts for a minimum of two weeks, permits only 20 g of carbohydrates per day, which is about the amount in one banana. This means all bread, most vegetables, pasta, cereals, sugars, many dairy items and fruits are off-limits. As the body relies on the nutrients and carbohydrates in these foods for energy, you are likely to experience fatigue, decreased energy and diminished exercise performance. It is not until you reach the maintenance phase that you can take in 200 g of carbohydrates a day (about 40 percent of daily calories if following a 2,000 calorie diet). This is still below carbohydrate recommendations put forth by the IOM and USDA. A diet low in whole grains and vegetables is also low in fiber, often resulting in constipation.
Monotony
The Atkins diet eliminates complete food groups, thereby severely limiting your food options. Once the novelty of eating all the meat, fish, eggs, and cheese you like wears off, you may tire of the diet's monotony. The lack of variety makes adherence challenging, as you must be very disciplined in refusing foods at restaurants and social gatherings and in resisting cravings.
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